eu In Standard German
The letter combination "eu" has several pronunciation patterns in German. The sound depends mainly on whether the word is native German, Greek-derived, or a French loanword.
Letter Combination | eu |
|---|---|
Name | eu (pronounced /eː uː/) |
Common Sound(s) | /ɔʏ/, /øː/, /ø/ |
The Letter Combination "eu"
Sound 1: /ɔʏ/
In most native German words, "eu" is pronounced /ɔʏ/ (similar to the English "oy" in "boy", but more fronted).
heute → /ˈhɔʏtə/
today
Feuer → /ˈfɔʏɐ/
fire
/ɔʏ/ in Greek-origin words
In many words of Greek origin, "eu" also represents /ɔʏ/, often in scientific or formal vocabulary.
Euthanasie → /ɔʏtanaˈziː/
euthanasia
Sound 2: /øː/ (French loanwords, stressed)
In French loanwords, "eu" is often pronounced /øː/, especially in stressed syllables.
Friseur → /fʁiˈzøːɐ̯/
hairdresser
Regisseur → /ʁeʒiˈsøːɐ̯/
director
Sound 3: /ø/ (French loanwords, unstressed)
In unstressed syllables of French loanwords, "eu" is shortened to /ø/.
neutralisieren → /nøtʁaliˈziːʁən/
to neutralize
Neugier → /ˈnɔʏɡiːɐ̯/
curiosity
Note: Vowel separation in loanwords
In some loanwords, "e" and "u" belong to different syllables and do not form a single letter combination. In these cases, pronunciation follows normal vowel separation rules.
Museum → /muˈzeːʊm/
museum
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